WASHERS

Flat washers work with fasteners, such as bolts or screws, and are commonly used with spacers and shims, and to reinforce an attachment. They help distribute a load across a surface area such as wood. Typically made of steel, stainless steel, aluminum, nylon, or brass, flat washers can be plain or finished with a coating such as zinc. They can have inch or metric measurement and come in various sizes, with different outside diameter, inside diameter, and thicknesses. Depending upon material, some may be used for insulation. Some flat washers are high strength and can provide structural support.